My Ball Python is biting! What do I do/why is this happening!?

[Rupert]

The first time my 5 month old Ball bit anyone was a few weeks ago. My friend and I were holding him in her bed and we were under an electric blanket so it was very warm and he bit her twice and I assumed he got confused because of how warm and soft the blanket/her leg was... but then he did it again last night! Bit my other friend right on the stomach! Why is this happening and what can I do?

[Danounet]

What is its husbandry like? Temps?

Maybe you are over handling it and stressing it out? Snakes are for the most part, not little doggy like animals that you cuddle with, specially Ball Pythons, they stress out easily.

[Rupert]

I have a reg heat lamp on always. thats all. room stays at 70 + always and I dont play with him too much I dont think

[mommanessy247]

you need to invest in a UTH, that heat lamp is sucking out any, and most, if not all, the humidity you need inside the terrarium.

[mommanessy247]

oh & get a thermostat to control that UTH. you'll also need some kind of thermometer, most recommended one here, is the accu-rite from homedepot/lowe's/walmart.

[Kaorte]

What is your setup like? Sounds like a defensive bite from a stressed snake to me.

[Rupert]

20gal Long tank with branches, foliage, mulch-like bedding, water bowl, and a hiding log. Heat lamp on side without hiding log. I mist once a day and more.

[Boanerges]

Is the heat lamp a light that is always on?

Welcome to BP.net BTW!!!

[Danounet]

For now, place the lamp over the log.

They need a warm side and a cool side. The warm side should be between 88-94. You need to get a thermometer with a probe. Go to Walmart or Home Depot in the garden section, Accurite is a good brand, make sure it has a probe.

There should be a hide in the cool side and one in the warm side.

I recommend getting rid of the lamp and getting a UTH (Under the tank heater) and a thermostat.

[Kaorte]

I would get him two identical tight fitting hides that touch him on all sides. I use plastic cereal bowls from the dollar store and cut a small entrance in the side.

Also, I would switch to an under tank heater with a reptile thermostat for your hot side instead of the lamp.